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#CEFConference2026
About Today
The Construction Employers Federation is delighted to host its Annual Conference on Tuesday 2 June 2026 at Riddel Hall, Queen's University Belfast.
This inaugural event brings together stakeholders from across Northern Ireland's construction and built environment sector for a morning of insight, discussion and networking on the issues shaping the industry's future.
Hosted by Sarah Travers and featuring a keynote from Suzanne Hill, Business Strategist for AI, the conference will also mark the launch of CEF's 2027 Northern Ireland Assembly Election Manifesto, setting out the sector's priorities for the next mandate.
Join us for a programme of expert panel discussions spanning housing delivery, infrastructure investment, net zero, the future construction workforce, and the changing landscape of digital and AI in construction.
CEF Manifesto Priorities
Building the Conditions for Delivery
CEF’s core manifesto priorities:
Political stability: Agree a draft Programme for Government by May 2027 and consider institutional reforms to improve the functioning of devolved government.
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Water & infrastructure funding
Deliver a legally binding commitment to NI Water’s PC28 and implement an Infrastructure Levy to unlock investment and address environmental decline.
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Capital budget certainty
Agree a three-year capital budget for 2027–30 and explore additional funding through borrowing, governance changes, or mechanisms such as road tolling.
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Long-term investment strategy
Finalise and publish an Investment Strategy to 2050 to support key projects (A5, A1 Junctions, Casement Park, BRT2, Strategic Rail Review, Roads Maintenance Strategy) and establish an independent Infrastructure Commission.
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Housing delivery
With NI Water funding secured, set a target of at least 10,000 new homes per year for the next fifteen years.
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Planning reform
Agree, introduce, and approve an ambitious Planning and Infrastructure Bill to address the broken planning system.